andrea, thanks. continuing this theme, after a break, we will hear some certainly reflections from president obama. >>> we are back with more of our coverage of the passing late today of nelson mandela at the age of 95. as we've been saying all evening long, reaction is pouring in including some emotional comments from president obama delivered in the briefing room in the white house west wing. for more on that, our chief white house correspondent chuck to d is standing by on the north lawn tonight. when you look at the timeline, nelson mandela springs together so many american presidents. >> reporter: he does. sort of passing the baton. but there's something about the connection that president obama himself feels with nelson mande mandela. it's something that he shared tonight in a very powerful and poignant statement. >> i am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from nelson mandela's life. my very first political action, the first thing i ever did that involved an issue or policy or p